Niagara Falls, Once the most visited Honeymoon Destination in the USA....and Canada
Written: Mar 09 '05 (Updated Feb 18 '08)
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Pros: This is a wonderful area to discover. There is so much to do and see.
Cons: Driving along the river can be painfully slow.
The Bottom Line: I can't say enough about Niagara Falls, its environs and the entertainment in and around it. It's a top spot that I like and my family loved going to.
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| popsrocks's Full Review: Niagara Falls |
With the advent of the airplane, high speed travel and more sophisticated travelers, Niagara Falls is no longer that #1 destination of Newlyweds but in many aspects it's still a wonderful way to experience a carefree week or two with a loved one or as in my last trip with the family, a car load of kids.
I've been to the falls a few times, the last being through a business trip. This area is still constantly growing with new places to visit and more hotels to stay in. You can't help but notice the ever-changing skyline with each new place seeming to vie for a better view of the falls from dizzying heights. Once again Niagara Falls is attracting hordes of people. The Casinos happen to be a huge draw and more and more conventions are taking place in the area due to them and the new upscale hotels that are sprouting out of the Canadian banks of the Niagara the last ten years. My wife and I are not gamblers and though we have been to Vegas a couple of times, we go more for the other entertainment and sites that are available, and Niagara Falls has it all.
Great for Couples
Niagara Falls can still be a wonderfully romantic place to be. Having a dinner in the evening at a restaurant overlooking the falls bathed in lights is a feeling that is unmatched. There are some exciting ways to see the falls and it's my feeling that sharing new experiences is part of the growth of a young, or older, couple. I'll be noting a couple of exciting ways to see the falls in a bit.
The Niagara area also has many gardens to stroll through and seeing the huge Floral Clock for the first time is something I'll never forget. There's plenty for a couple to do in Niagara Falls and I strongly recommend it as a place to visit, if not for a honeymoon, then by all means as a vacations spot.
Will the Family Fall for the Falls?
This place has it all. Clifton Hill happens to be one of the most exciting places in the world for kids. There is just a ton of things to do so that the only problem you may have is deciding which to put on your agenda. Having enough money to do this can also be a bit daunting but the US dollar still does fairly well in Canada.
Places like Riply's Believe It or Not, Wax Museums, some themed Mini-Golf sites, fun houses and so much more are fun for the whole family. This is an area where you'll find most every chain restaurant you could imagine and some cheaper local fare too. Every other store front is a souvenir stall. Even so I highly recommend making this a stop with the kids. They will love it!
How To See The Falls
Though there is so much more to do and see than just the falls, it is the falls that really steal the show especially if you experience it in the different ways it can be done. Here are ways to view the falls.
From Waters Edge
The way most people see the falls and the cheapest way is to walk along the banks of the river. The Canadian side definitely has the better views, but don't let that stop you from checking out the American Falls too.
For those who may not know, Niagara Falls is actually three different falls. There are the American Falls that are on the American side of the border. Also on the American side are Bridal Veil Falls. This is a relatively slim rush of water that gives the impression of a ...yes you are correct, a bridal veil. It's very photogenic from particular vantages.
Now just on the other side of the border and in clear view of people in Canada walking along the Niagara River are the Canadian Falls these are also known as the Horseshoe Falls. These are the most beautiful and most impressive. Being an egotistical American, I do want to let you know that one third of the Canadian Falls is on US property. Ok enough of my silliness. From the Canadian side you see all the three falls as one huge area.
The view from the Canadian Side, especially at night when the falls are bathed in multi-coloured lights is truly amazing. A park-like area hugs the shore line and you'll share the view with some of the over 24 million people who go to the falls each year.
Goat island
We went onto this island that is run and maintained by the NYS parks commission and is in fact the oldest state park in the USA. It's a large area and it is this piece of land that actually divides the Canadian and American falls meaning you can see each one up and close. Access is from the USA side of the falls and parking is on the island. From this island you'll get some excellent close-up views and particularly fine views of the Bridal Veil Falls. This is a relaxing way to see the falls from a few different vantages and though popular, it's easy to get away from the crowds.
At the Base of the Falls
The Maid of the Mist is probably one of the most recognized tourist destination named in all the Niagara brochures and information centers. This is a fleet of large boats that takes scores of people from a point down river of the falls and up close to the base of the rushing and turbulent waters that have just made its way over the falls. This is a very wet ride but they give you rain gear. I also found it difficult getting good views if only because the "mist" was fogging up the cameras and any views. The real thing here is the experience of getting relatively close to the falls and feeling its power.
From the Air
To see the falls from the air you can take helicopter rides, hot air balloon rides or perhaps get birds-eye view from the many towers that rise high above the falls. Lois Lane took a ride above the falls in the arms of Superman. We took a different ride. This one was actually four miles down river over the Niagara in the Whirlpool Aero Car. This was pretty cool. The lines were long but the views and feeling of being in a cable-type car hanging from a line while crossing over the river was exciting indeed. The river has a whirl pool below this area. The kids and I loved it.
The feel of the air around you and the rushing rapids below makes this a fun thing to do when taking a drive outside the immediate Niagara Falls city. This is for a clear day only.
My Favorite Way to See the Falls
From the Canadian side at a place called Table Rock is the entrance of what was a fascinating experience of Niagara Falls. This excursion takes you down an elevator shaft to a huge room where you are given rain gear. Believe me, you need it! You are then able to walk through a few lighted tunnels that are directly behind the rushing water from the cliffs above. You see the water falling just feet away. This is amazing to see and feel the power of the falls.
If you continue this self guided tour that you are free to visit as you like, look for the platform outside near the base of the falls. Again, you are so close to the falls that you are getting soaked. The thunderous roar of the falls vibrates in the solid rock beneath your feet. Wow, what a rush! I suppose the only other way to exceed this experience is by sealing yourself in a barrel and taking the plunge.
Some Quick Points
It is strongly recommended that Americans crossing into Canada and back into the states again have passports. On our last trip into Canada we did not have them. It was unscheduled. We were able to use our NYS drivers license as ID, but DON'T count on this. Things can change very quickly in todays world. We did not have our children with us at that time, however you must have birth certificates for young people. Passports are better yet.
A Duty Free shop is on the Canadian side of the bridge where we left from. There were some good prices but wasn't really worth the stop.
Parking on the Canadian side is not plentiful everywhere. Walking can be faster than driving along the river. Traffic moves very slowly.
Be prepared for a lot of walking. Most of it is enjoyable.
If you are on a budget seek accommodations out of town about a mile or so. It is amazing how much different the prices are. If you are in the area during any non-summer months, try to get a good deal in one of the hotels overlooking the river.
In Closing
Niagara Falls is forever adding attractions around it to attract your dollars. Even with it being so commercial I think it's a wonderful and fun place to go with or without the family. Just be sure not to be steered away from the real reason everyone should visit the area and that is to feel the power and see the beauty of one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, Niagara Falls.
Near the Falls is Spanish Aero Car. We enjoyed it!!
Maid of the Mist The best way to feel the falls power!
Journey Behind the Falls!
Nightly Illuminations; Niagara Falls
1,000 Places to See Before You Die Niagara Falls is one of them.
New York State
Canada
Toronto
Recommended:
Yes
Best Time to Travel Here: Anytime
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